If you have bought Caltex Multifak Moly EP 2 for your loaders, TLBs or tractors, you will now see a new name on the pail: Caltex Multifak EP 2 M3. Same job, new label. This guide explains the name change, when a moly grease is the right call on pins, bushes and tractors, and how it compares with standard Multifak EP 2. Every spec below comes from the current Multifak EP 2 M3 product data sheet (PDS).
The name change: Moly EP 2 is now Multifak EP 2 M3
The Caltex data sheet titles the product “Multifak EP 2 M3 – Multipurpose Extreme Pressure Moly Grease (formerly Multifak Moly EP 2)”. So if your lube schedule, job card or tender still says “Moly EP2”, Multifak EP 2 M3 is the product to ask for. The “M3” matches the PDS typical figure of 3 m% molybdenum disulfide.
What is Multifak EP 2 M3?
In the PDS’s own words, it is “a multipurpose EP grease primarily designed for construction, mining and agricultural equipment where an extra measure of protection in shock loading conditions is required.” It contains a highly refined ISO VG 220 mineral base oil, lithium soap thickener, EP additives, rust and oxidation inhibitors, plus molybdenum disulfide as a solid film lubricant.
Why moly helps on pins and bushes
Bucket pins, boom pivots and tractor linkages take hammer blows, not smooth rotation. The PDS explains it simply: “During heavy shock loading, the lubricant film between metal surfaces can be temporarily ruptured or squeezed out.” Multifak EP 2 M3 “is designed so that some molybdenum disulfide stays in place as a solid film lubricant to help protect metal surfaces, even under extreme shock loading conditions.”
Two more points from the PDS matter on Highveld plant and farm machines:
- Dust and missed services: “The presence of molybdenum disulfide is also valuable in dirty environments, or when proper re-greasing intervals cannot be followed.”
- Under-greasing: “Even if by mistake insufficient grease is used, some molybdenum disulfide tends to stay in place and helps to protect metal surfaces.”
That is a safety net, not a reason to skip the grease gun. Keep to your OEM greasing intervals.
Where the PDS says to use it
- Construction; earthmoving, quarrying and mining
- Agricultural equipment
- Automotive and chassis grease point lubrication
- Pins, bushings and other sliding surface or pivot points
- Selective types of anti-friction bearings
- Ball joints and universal joints (U-joints)
- High and shock load applications
The PDS also notes “optimized flow properties provide suitable flow properties for auto grease pump application systems.” Check with your auto-lube supplier before switching a system over.
Multifak EP 2 M3 vs standard Multifak EP 2
Both are lithium-thickened NLGI 2 EP greases on an ISO VG 220 base oil. The difference is the moly. Figures below are typical values from each product’s Caltex PDS.
| Multifak EP 2 M3 | Multifak EP 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum disulfide | 3 m% | None listed |
| Thickener | Lithium | Lithium |
| Base oil ISO VG | 220 | 220 |
| Worked penetration, 25°C (ASTM D217) | 275 | 280 |
| Dropping point (ASTM D2265) | 195°C | 195°C |
| Timken OK load | 18 kg | 18 kg |
| Four-ball weld point (ASTM D2596) | 250 kgf | Not listed |
| Operating temperature | -30°C up to 120°C, short periods up to 140°C | -30 to 130°C |
| DIN 51 502 / ISO 6743-09 | KPF 2K-30 / ISO-L-XCCEB2 | KP 2 K-30 / ISO-L-XCDEB 2 |
Simple rule of thumb:
- Choose Multifak EP 2 M3 for pins, bushes, pivots, U-joints and chassis points on loaders, excavators, TLBs, tippers and tractors that see shock loads, dust, or stretched greasing intervals.
- Choose standard Multifak EP 2 for general multipurpose greasing, plant bearings and wheel bearings where the OEM calls for a lithium EP 2 grease. Its PDS lists a slightly higher operating range (up to 130°C).
- Always follow the OEM manual first. If it calls for a specific grease spec, bring it to us and we will match it against the data sheet.
Standards listed on the PDS
The Multifak EP 2 M3 PDS lists these under “Performance Standards”: DIN 51 502 KPF 2K-30, ISO 6743-09 ISO-L-XCCEB2, and “Volvo Corporate Standard STD 1277,65 lubricating grease 97765”. Consult the OEM for independent verification for your machine.
Download the data sheet: Multifak EP 2 M3 PDS · SDS
Pack sizes
Multifak EP 2 M3 is on our price list in a 15 kg pail and a 180 kg drum. Call for today’s price and stock.
Machines and pages to match
- Multifak EP 2 and Multifak EP 2 M3 on our greases page
- Construction and plant
- Tractors and tractor oils
- Agriculture
- Trucks
Still asking for “Moly EP2”? We have you covered
Whether you run plant on the East Rand, a fleet in Pretoria, or a farm in Mpumalanga, the Free State or North West, we supply Caltex greases from our Benoni counter across Gauteng and surrounding provinces. Tell us the machine and the grease points, and we will help you pick between Multifak EP 2 M3 and standard Multifak EP 2.
Call 011 422 1333 · WhatsApp +27 83 252 0540 · Visit our Benoni counter